Devotion #4: Growing In the Lord
Do you ever look back on your life and wonder why you were the way that you were? I often have this experience when I look back at my childhood and the decisions I made. I have a lot of regrets based on actions I took and things I said that I wish I could take back. However, I recognize that having the ability to look back and see mistakes I have made is a sign of growth. It is growth to realize what you did, see the problem with it, and make efforts not to make those same mistakes. That is called changing. This happens not only in situations in life but also in our walk with Christ.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we should be in a state of continuously being “transformed” by the renewal of our minds, which will help us discern the will of God in our lives. This process is called sanctification. It is the process in which Christians grow to be more and more like Christ. The tricky part of this process is that it looks different for every Christian, and there is not a one-size-fits-all list of tasks to complete in order to achieve this growth.
I was saved while I was in college at GVSU, and I got plugged in with a student organization called Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ). I met a friend there who was further along in his faith walk than me, and he really helped disciple me as a new believer. I mentioned to him just the other day how I now recognize how many stupid things I said as a new believer, even things that were flat-out wrong. However, I just did not know any better! I remember him offering his correction in those moments, and I disagreed with it at the time.
Looking back, I recognize how wrong I was on so many things. It takes time to grow in your faith. However, that growth will not happen without intentionality. I could have said the things that I said and never opened my Bible, received counsel, or asked questions, and I would probably still believe those things! It is only in seeking His Word and walking in community that we grow. As we grow, we continue to discern the will of God more clearly in our lives.
If you are in a spot where you feel like you have not grown in a while, my challenge to you would be to consider what you have not been doing lately. Have you been in the Word consistently and intentionally? Do you have a mentor in your life? Are you asking questions? Growth is available to those who seek it, and the Bible is clear that we should be continuously pursuing growth towards the Lord. I challenge you to think about what your next step toward Him could be today.